HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Cradle of Joy was founded out of a desire to be able to bring about God’s plan to bring the children to Himself. For as it is said in scripture,
“Let the children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 9:13)
It came in a moment of prayer. In 1988, at the Lord’s prodding, Teacher Marion Cruz began to conceptualize a preschool for the children of renewed Catholics of the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community. However, it was not until after 10 years that she later collaborated with three other sisters-in-the-faith and co-educators to labor over the plans for the school. Like a potter treading clay with patience and diligence, their work did come to fruition. With the blessings of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community’s leaders and equipped with outpouring donations from home and abroad, Cradle of Joy first opened its doors to 17 students in 2 vertical classes on June 1998. The following years were nothing short of blessings over blessings as the school continued (and continues) to expand. By 2000, the school opened its Grade School department and in 2004, the Preschool department earned its Department of Education Accreditation.
Today, the school is all grown. It now boasts of a student body of 141 and a faculty and staff of 32. Each day is counted as a blessing, with the hope that slowly, we help build God’s kingdom here on earth.
COJ strives to be a Catholic Christian educational institution that will be an instrument in molding children in Christian character and virtues, and be a strong support to parents in providing education of high quality and standards.
MISSION - VISION
In keeping with the vision, the mission of COJ is:
- To mold children in Christian values and character, bringing them to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ
- To help children achieve academic excellence
- To harness the children’s creative potentials, gifts, and talents for God’s glory
- To imbibe in the children a love for their Filipino heritage and culture
- To closely cooperate with the home in providing meaningful learning experiences for the children
PHILOSOPHY
Catholic Progressive Education
COJ espouses the progressive philosophy of education where children’s interests come first and
foremost, emphasizing and promoting divergent and critical thinking, creativity, and imagination. The school also implements an integrated curriculum, wherein different subject areas are integrated by a Christian core theme.
Opportunities for Optimal Learning
COJ observes a maximum of 18 students per class (for thr Grade School), thereby giving them optimal learning. Children move on to the next lesson only after understanding has been achieved.
Since research indicates that majority of children are tactual and kinesthetic learners, COJ adopts a wide variety of child-centered teaching methodologies, taking into consideration individual children's learning styles.
Children also experience learning beyond the confines of the classroom. In addition to numerical grades, narratives, a portfolio of works and projects, and anecdotes are given to provide a more holistic presentation of the child's progress.
Strong Home-School Link
COJ views parents as partners in the children’s education. Parents and other relatives are often invited into the classrooms as resource speakers and class home visits are frequent, popular, and much anticipated by the children. COJ also boasts of a very strong PTA, which, over the years, has truly helped the school grow and prosper.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
A body of hard-working and dedicated men and women make up Cradle of Joy’s Board of Trustees. All members of the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community and individually successful in their respective business and disciplines, they discern and stir the school towards fulfilling its God-given and God-driven mission.
Vic Gutierrez
Chairman
Ali Leong
Vice Chariman
Lito Fider
President
Daisy Mendoza
Treasurer
Toby Estrella
Secretary
Gina Asis
Edward Isaac
Fr. Edwin Lao, OP
Beth Melchor
Aldem Salvaña
Jo Tecson
Jessamyn Yazon
Board Members